St Nicks Tarot Reader Opens New Magick Shop

Aim

Help us transform a hidden St Nicks coffee house into Altar & Arcana — Bristol’s new Tarot & Magick shop.

Past

For nearly a decade, Molly Mahalla has been a familiar presence outside St Nicholas Market, reading tarot through Bristol’s changing seasons. 

From her regular Saturday spot at St Nicks, and guest appearances across Bristol’s independent markets, Molly has become known for her warmth, humour, and deeply grounded tarot readings. 

Over the years, thousands of people have sat at her table — laughing, crying, celebrating, grieving, confessing, and searching for clarity. 

Her tarot cards, gifted to her on her sixteenth birthday by a powerful matriarch, have passed through countless hands, opening conversations and revealing truths that rarely find space in everyday city life.

Alongside her readings, Molly creates distinctive handmade candles poured into repurposed vintage vessels. Each one is crafted with intention using essential oils, colourful dyes, dried flowers, charms, and crystals. 

At her market stall she also sells hand-tied dried flower bouquets, charmed objects, and antique altar décor. 

Present

For years, Molly has dreamed of opening a shop, particularly as working outdoors has become increasingly difficult with her disabilities.                                                                                                                                                                        After more than a year searching for the right home, she found it in The Old Coffee House — a hidden private shop dating back to the 1740s, tucked quietly into the entrance of St Nicks Market like a secret waiting to be rediscovered. 

Now, Molly is transforming the space into Altar & Arcana — a dedicated tarot and magick shop rooted in community, ritual, craft, and connection. The shop will officially open on Saturday 30th May 2026, and will then be open Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30am–5pm.

Future

Molly will be joined by Liz of Jupiter Oak Tarot, a Bristol-based tarot reader and embroidery artist who will offer readings within the space alongside her embroidered talismans and magical works.  

They will also be supported by Miss Gracey, Molly's friendly cockapoo. Together, they are building a space for connection in the heart of the city. A place to rediscover magick.

How the Crowdfunder Will Help

Molly is the license holder for the space and is responsible for all shop's costs. Molly has been unable to work between mid December and April due to ill health. This means that she does not have much start up money and is opening the shop on a shoe string budget. As a disabled person with limited resources and networks, she would like to ask the community to support with some key costs.

Your donations will support things like; 

• Shelving, furniture, and displays.                                    
• Shop fittings like CCTV  
• Signage and printed materials
• Moving and transport costs
• Shop essentials like a hoover, packaging and bags, cleaning supplies, PAT testing                                                                                                                                         Thank you for supporting a queer disabled female owned business in this harsh economic environment. Every contribution helps bring Altar & Arcana to life.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 24th June 2026 at 10:37pm